Random mumblings from a Christian who just happens to be a writer, filmmaker and bewildered dad.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

The Artist's Life

I'm afraid today's post, as I try and get back into the habit after an entire week's absence (shameful, I know), is regurgitated from one of my favourite Blogs, Stuff Christians Like.

The particular post in question, also regurgitated from a book (can you regurgitate regurgitated matter??? I don't know), is entitled 'The thing about being naked', although the bit I'm referring to isn't about nakedness. It's something of a rousing challenge to us creatives out there:

The Artist’s LifeAre you a born writer? Were you put on earth to be a painter, a scientist, an apostle of peace? In the end the question can only be answered by action.Do it or don’t do it.It may help to think of it this way. If you were meant to cure cancer or write a symphony or crack cold fusion and you don’t do it, you not only hurt yourself, even destroy yourself. You hurt your children. You hurt me. You hurt the planet.

You shame the angels who watch over you and you spite the Almighty, who created you and only you with your unique gifts, for the sole purpose of nudging the human race one millimeter farther along its path back to God.

Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution.

Give us what you’ve got.

(by the way, when I say 'creatives' I mean everyone - we're all creative whether we acknowledge it or not)